“Every 52 minutes, one person dies as a direct consequence of an eating disorder” (“Report: Economic Costs of Eating Disorders”). That is eight people in our school day, 41 in our school week, and 1,495 people over the course of our school year. But these individuals are so much more than numbers; they’re victims of a vicious mental health disorder that is a result of superficial values. That is why the Eating Disorders Association has designated the last week of February, Feb. 24 to March 2, as National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. During this week, the Association encourages individuals to understand the complexity of eating disorders and “recommit to showing compassion for and empowering” those impacted by eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, bulimia, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, and more (Wickramatilake). 

Eating disorders are notorious for being among the most deadly psychiatric disorders, and according to the EDA, will occur in 9 percent of Americans, or 28.8 million men, women, and children irrespective of one’s cultural background (“Report: Economic Costs of Eating Disorders”). As such, Judaism grants one no exception from the effects of eating disorders. In fact, studies have concluded that the rate of eating disorders is higher among Jewish adolescents than non-Jews, making the issue all the more relevant to the Posnack School community (Pinhas et al., Berg and Levinson). 

In our school, Mrs. Silverstein, a volunteer at the concession stand, has observed some food stigma and its effect on the source and surrounding students. She revealed, “At times we hear students food shaming a friend saying ‘Wow, you are getting so much food’ or, ‘you’re going to eat that many?’” While often innocent comments, most don’t realize the impact these remarks may have, as Mrs. Silverstein says, “They don’t see the reaction…sometimes the student doesn’t care, but other times they put back what they were getting and seem sad or disappointed.” These kinds of comments reinforce the negative stigma around food and pressure those towards disordered eating. Mrs. Silverstein and other volunteers are trying to change that lens and remind others that one’s needs are personal and shouldn’t be judged.  

Though it is not always the fault of individuals, as most are unaware of the detrimental effects of food stigma, this is something Mrs. Furer’s AP Seminar and Research classes have been trying to tackle. In these courses, students are able to select topics to question, investigate, and provide solutions. Mrs. Furer explains that the topic of eating disorders has gained popularity in research and “that when looked at through a research lens, the attitude of students is earnest and concerned.” Helping students become educated on the issue and sharing their conclusions is what National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is all about, however, Mrs. Furer also revealed that “many of the times however teenagers can’t see that the same situations that they discuss in a research manner are ones that they are experiencing on a personal level. It is hard to see the issues in oneself.” Though more effort is needed to maximize the impact of this research, the foundation and drive is there, making it possible to improve Posnack School’s attitude and treatment of eating disorders and food stigma. 

How?

Mrs. Trofimtruck, the High School Guidance Counselor, has some suggestions. First, she urges, “Any student who is struggling with an eating disorder or body dysmorphia [to] speak to an adult they trust.” Moreover, she wishes to remind students that she is “always open to listening to any mental health concerns students may have about themselves or their peers to try to help in a meaningful way.” Second, she hopes to remind “Students and staff [to] be intentional about refraining from any judgment they are making about anyone’s food choices. This includes joking about the food someone chooses or classifying foods in a “good” or “bad” category…One of the counseling department’s schoolwide goals is to continue destigmatizing mental health by creating a safe space for students, raising awareness, and providing education and coping skills to students.”

Thus, whether standing in line at concession or simply in a classroom discussion, remember to be aware of how your words may affect others and that not everyone’s needs, wants, or beliefs are the same. 

Works Cited

Auger, Nathalie, et al. “Anorexia Nervosa and the Long‐Term Risk of Mortality in Women.” World Psychiatry, vol. 20, no. 3, 9 Sept. 2021, pp. 448–449, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8429328/, https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20904.

Berg, Tanya, and Devorah Levinson. Eating Disorders in the Jewish Community. 1996.

Pinhas, Leora, et al. “Disordered Eating in Jewish Adolescent Girls.” The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 53, no. 9, Sept. 2008, pp. 601–608, file:///C:/Users/ASilverstein26/Downloads/pinhas-et-al-2008-disordered-eating-in-jewish-adolescent-girls.pdf. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.

“Report: Economic Costs of Eating Disorders.” STRIPED, 11 June 2020, www.hsph.harvard.edu/striped/report-economic-costs-of-eating-disorders/. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.

Wickramatilake, Shalini. “SAMHSA Recognizes National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.” Samhsa.gov, 2024, www.samhsa.gov/blog/samhsa-recognizes-national-eating-disorders-awareness-week. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.